Patna, may 15 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar on Friday made it clear that whichever coalition gave his state special status could hope for support from him in forming the next government in the Centre.

Speaking at a book release function here, Kumar said that the Prime Minister, Dr.Manmohan Singh, had so far refused to give Bihar a special status.

He also said that the option of who will become the Prime Minister and who will be made Prime Minister is still open.

Earlier, Kumar’s candidature was being spoken of in hushed tones of the probability of a “secular” partner of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) like Nitish Kumar being a Prime Minister nominee with the backing of Third Front partners like Telgu Desam Party (TDP) who are sure to be uncomfortable with signs of the Left coming around to support a Congress-led government.

Kumar has made it absolutely clear that JD(U)’s support cannot be taken for granted and his party will go with “whoever” gives the best bargain.

“We will support the government which gives special status to Bihar. The only condition for our support will be the special category status for Bihar,” said Kumar.

The Third Front has been all along trying to woo the Bihar CM but he has been till now keeping his cards close to his chest.

The Congress’ inclination towards him was made apparent in no uncertain terms by party’s youth icon Rahul Gandhi, who had openly praised Nitish for the development work he is doing in Bihar.

Singh in fact called up Kumar to discuss the relief package given to Bihar after the Kosi floods. (ANI)